Leicester's Ghiraldini out to improve

Italy hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini is highly regarded in world rugby, but the new Leicester signing hopes to improve at Welford Road.

Italy hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini is highly regarded in world rugby, but the new Leicester signing hopes to improve at Welford Road.

Joining the Tigers to compete with England hooker Tom Youngs, Ghiraldini revealed that conversations with former Leicester players Martin Castrogiovanni and Alex Moreno persuaded him to make the move.

"I spoke to Castro and Alex Moreno. They talked to me about Leicester, how rugby here is for the people, for the supporters," Ghiraldini told the Tigers website.

"I saw over the last few years I have seen the incredible crowds that there are here in Leicester. I am really excited to be part of this team.

"Every time I've played against Tigers, I have seen their work on the field. They always put in 100 per cent on the field so that's what I like.

"I love the Aviva Premiership too and I will do my best to be involved in the team."

Ghiraldini's attitude will no doubt please Leicester fans, after missing last year's Premiership Final for the first time since 2004.

"Every player has to have the attitude to improve every day. Every morning when I come into training I want to improve myself. Tomorrow morning I will do my best again to improve myself," added Ghiraldini.

"I have experience of playing for Italy, Treviso and Calvisano, and I have played in the Heineken Cup, but you have to show every time that you are a good player.

"I want to be a better player. I love the challenge that there is here. There are quite a lot of hookers, some good players from the Academy too. I am really excited to take this opportunity."